Best Loco Moco in Kauai 2023

Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding the best loco moco in Kauai!

Don’t settle for mediocre hotel food if you’re visiting Kauai. Instead, explore the street food stalls, casual shacks, and lively restaurants that serve the delicious local favorite: loco moco.

My boyfriend and I are frequent visitors to Kauai, but we only recently tried the island’s famous loco moco on a friend’s recommendation. I’m so glad we did because it was so flavorful and satisfying. However, it was tough to choose a favorite restaurant since almost every place serves it.

After trying several different places, we’ve narrowed it down to four restaurants that serve the best loco moco in Kauai. In this guide, I’ll rank these restaurants based on location, prices, and the range of options on their menus.

So join us as we eat our way through the best loco moco in Kauai!

Kountry Kitchen – Best Loco Moco in Kauai

If you’re looking for a local place serving comfort food, then the Kountry Kitchen should be your first stop. Located in the quiet town of Kapaa in East Kauai, this restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a divine breakfast menu. 

Most people come here for a hearty breakfast loco moco as it comes in various flavors. Their corned beef loco moco is a favorite, served with hash browns instead of white rice, which is a delicious combination. We loved this spin on the classic hamburger patty and rice. 

Besides this, they have a Kalua pork loco moco and the original one as well. And their keiki plate is great for kids for its subtle flavoring.

We loved Kountry Kitchen’s delicious loco moco, which tops our list as the best Loco Moco in Kauai. Here’s why you’ll love it too:

• Their menu offers a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
• Their prices are affordable and justified by the big portions. 
• The pineapple french toast, bacon egg and cheese omelet, and fresh juices are divine from their breakfast menu.

Address: 1485 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa, Kauai, HI 96746.

Hawaiian Style Cafe – Best Loco Moco in Waimea, Kauai

Good food needs a good crowd, and you can find both at the Hawaiian Style Cafe in Waimea. Since the restaurant opens early and closes at 2 pm, there’s always a lively crowd outside, which moves quickly so you can get a seat.

We found out about this cafe from locals who ate here and recommended the Hawaiian Style loco moco. And it was fantastic! Well-seasoned patties with a runny gravy and fried rice make their loco moco authentic and full of flavor. 

Another great variation on the loco moco is their Big Mok, which comes with Portuguese sausage and link sausage, with a choice of crispy hash browns or white rice. 

If you have children along, order Da Tita Mok, which swaps white rice for fried rice and adds a chicken cutlet that’s perfectly seasoned. 

There’s plenty of variety in their menu, and the taste of their loco moco is heavenly. Here’s why you’ll love it here:

• Hawaiian Style Cafe has a comfy diner ambiance but fills up during the day, so come early.
• Try the pancakes from their breakfast menu that are so fluffy and come with great toppings.
• Don’t miss their Korean-style Kalbi ribs with a finger-licking sweet glaze. 

Address: 65-1290 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, Island of Hawaii, HI 96743-7310.

Mark’s Place – Best Loco Moco in Lihue, Kauai 

People who frequent Kauai will know Mark’s Place in Lihue has the best loco moco on the island since it’s a local favorite. They’ve been operating since 1998, and the recipe hasn’t changed since then. 

Their original loco moco has a tender beef patty and fluffy rice topped with rich gravy. We tried it twice on our visit, and it hit the spot each time!

Another great thing on the menu is their Teriyaki Chicken and Chicken Katsu dishes, a favorite among adults and kids alike. You can also order from their unique specials menu, which changes daily.

No matter what you order at Mark’s Place, it puts you in a food coma and never disappoints. Here’s what makes them even better:

• They have a range of freshly baked sweets you need to get for dessert. 
• Since they’re usually crowded come early during the week, as weekends are off.
• The prices are cheap at around $20 per head.

Address: 1610 Haleukana St Ste A Puhi, Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-8990.

Tahiti Nui – Best Loco Moco in Princeville, Kauai

If you’re heading to the Hanalei and Princeville side of the island, don’t miss a stop at Tahiti Nui. They’re famous for the luau that takes place at night, but also serve excellent food all day.

The menu has a variety of great options, but their Hawaiian loco moco is incredibly delicious. Their patty is grilled beef and the usual rice and eggs, with a special topping of glazed caramelized onions and homemade gravy. (I’m craving it so much now!)

Also, if you come for the food, stay for the luau, which includes a fun night of Mai Tais, hula dances, and a fire show. This event is by a family of locals who’ve been running the restaurant and luau for years. 

Tahiti Nui serves the best loco moco in Princeville, Kauai with unmatched entertainment.

Here’s what makes it even better:

• The luau has an excellent dinner afterward that you can’t miss.
• They have a great seafood selection, like their tasty Coconut Shrimp.
• George Clooney’s movie ‘The Descendants’ was filmed here.

Address: 5 Kuhio Hwy # 5134, Hanalei, Kauai, HI 96714-3001.

Wrapping Up: The Best Loco Moco Kauai

Excellent food and breathtaking views are Kauai’s specialties, making it a great vacation spot. So if you’re ever in a pickle about where to go for a relaxing place to heal, head straight to Kauai and enjoy the great hospitality and even better food.

Their loco moco is representative of Hawaiian cuisine and its unique flavors. Even if you try it at a small cafe, the taste won’t disappoint. 

Want to try the original loco moco in Kauai? Head to Hawaiian Style Cafe for their tasty version.

Need a level-up on this classic? Don’t miss Kountry Kitchen’s corned beef loco moco.

Kauai’s loco moco is an absolute treat for the tastebuds!

Now that you know where to find the best loco moco in Kauai, you might wonder where to get this tasty dish if you’re visiting another popular Hawaiian island. Well, look no further! If you’re planning a trip to Maui, be sure to check out our guide to finding the best loco moco in Maui. Just like in Kauai, there’s a wealth of delicious loco moco waiting to be discovered on the Valley Isle. Bon appétit!”

FAQ

Where can I find the best local food, especially loco moco in Kauai, Hawaii?

If you’re looking for the absolute best loco moco in Kauai, Hawaii, consider visiting restaurants like Kountry Kitchen in East Kauai or Mark’s Place located in Lihue. These establishments serve delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunch cuisine and offer an excellent selection of fresh fish and other classic Hawaiian diner fare.

What kind of meal and dishes can I expect at a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch restaurant?

At a classic Hawaiian diner that serves plate lunches, you’re likely to encounter various local foods such as Loco Moco – featuring rice topped with hamburger patties, fried egg, and brown gravy – taro salad, saimin noodles soup among others. In many cases like Nalu’s South Shore Grill or Alley Restaurant Bar these places also serve fresh fish dishes popular with surfers satisfying their appetite after hitting the waves.

Why is the moco recipe so well-loved by locals during lunchtime on this part of Kauai island?

The scrumptious moco recipe hailing from Maui epitomizes genuine Hawaiian essence both comforting tasty which makes it particularly appealing for those seeking authentic standard local experience not only they savor deliciousness but it also fuels them throughout bustling workday giving much-needed energy surge

Are there food trucks around here that provide delicious loco mocos near Mark’s Place ?

Yes! On the beautiful Island of Kauai along cozy paradise town lined coastline variety food truck eateries just awaiting your discovery abound several pop style serving mouthwatering array enticing options including excellent chicken plate lunches ultimate two hamburger patty concoction sure satiate any famished hunger pang being encountered

Coffee lovers rejoice: Are there distinguished cafe locales where I can relish Hawaiian Plate lunch with steaming hot cup of Joe?

Indeed, there are fantastic cafes dedicated to satisfying every java aficionado’s longing, such as the renowned Hawaiian Style Café – a feast not only for your taste buds but also for your appreciation of local culture. In addition to serving outstanding loco moco and traditional hamburger patty dishes among enticing menu offerings, patrons can relish their meal in cheerful atmosphere sipping freshly brewed coffee all while admiring timeless ambiance this classic diner exudes.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by Brigitte